Hands-On Art Skills, Community Bonds: Informal Learning Ignites Youth Creativity, Experts Say
BORUPS CORNERS, ONTARIO – In last week’s article, we established the vital importance of lifelong learning as the foundation for youth empowerment in the arts and community sectors, emphasizing a shift from ego-driven competition towards creating value for the common good, as highlighted by Dr. Olaf Kuhlke, Professor and Chair of Creative Entrepreneurship at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Today, we move deeper into one crucial aspect of that foundation: the power of informal learning. While formal education provides a crucial framework, experts emphasize the profound impact of informal learning experiences in nurturing creativity, building practical skills, and fostering strong community connections, particularly for youth in the arts and community sectors.
Jamie Bell, an artist from from the Winnipeg-based Art Borups Corners collective emphasizes the experiential nature of creative growth. “Informal learning is where the magic truly happens,” states Bell. “It’s the hands-on workshops, the mentorships from experienced artists, the community-based projects – these are the experiences that spark passion, cultivate raw talent, and build confidence in young creators. It’s about learning by doing, by experimenting, by collaborating.”
This experiential approach resonates deeply within First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities where traditional knowledge is passed down through intergenerational learning and practical application. Emerging Inuk youth artist and musician Tony Eetak explains, “For us youth, learning often takes place outside the classroom – on the land, with Elders. This informal transmission of knowledge is vital. It strengthens cultural identity and provides valuable skills that are directly applicable to community life and leadership.”
Art therapist Kami Norland is the Director of the Masters of Arts in Creative Leadership at MCAD. In her recent article “The Power of Non-Hierarchical Teams” she highlights the dynamism of non-hierarchical teams, stating they “operate more like a jazz ensemble than a rigid orchestra—where each member brings their unique talents and perspectives, improvising in harmony to create something greater than the sum of its parts.” Informal learning environments in the arts, mirroring this jazz ensemble model, allow youth to improvise, experiment, and contribute uniquely.
The 2022-2023 Winnipeg iteration of “Our People Our Climate,” funded by the Manitoba Arts Council, provided digital arts workshops at cultural hubs like Qaumajuq and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Another Manitoba-based program, ”Come Eat With Me,” funded by Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership nurtured informal learning through mentorships connecting food sector entrepreneurs with Indigenous youth. In 2023 and 2024, youth from Manitoba and Minnesota combined experiential learning and biophilic design to build arts sector capacity for food security. These examples collectively demonstrate how a strong blending of formal and informal learning thrives on hands-on engagement and community connection, sparking creativity and practical skills through collaborative improvisation.
Dr. Olaf Kuhlke, in “So—What Is Creative Entrepreneurship?“, speaks to the core values that should drive creative ventures, stating, “creative entrepreneurship isn’t about ego. It’s not about being the fastest, the richest, or the flashiest. It’s about building something that matters—something that lasts.” Informal learning experiences often instill this very ethos, emphasizing community contribution and lasting impact over individual accolades, setting a strong foundation for future creative leaders and entrepreneurs.
The power of informal learning lies in its ability to cultivate a sense of belonging and empower youth from the ground up. Engaging in hands-on projects, connecting with mentors, and participating in community initiatives, young people develop not only practical skills but also a deep understanding of their own potential and their capacity to contribute to their communities. This foundation is critical for building future leaders and fostering thriving arts and community sectors.
Consider exploring local community arts programs in your area. What opportunities are there for hands-on creative learning?
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